Thomas Parker

Tom was a Christmas gift two days early for Jim and Bonnie Parker. He was born in Boulder and spent his school years in Lafayette. Tom joined the Army in 1969 training as a paratrooper. He did tours in Vietnam as a helicopter mechanic. He then was in the Honor Guard in Virginia and Washington DC. Post military, Tom eventually found his wife, Laurel while they were both working in forestry firefighting. Staying in Forestry with BLM, they lived in Oregon and Wyoming. They eventually landed back in Colorado. While in Colorado Tom became involved with the Veterans Club in Loveland reaching the office of Commander. He was especially drawn to the Honor Guard performing military rites at veteran funerals. Tom headed the Veterans Parade for many years and was instrumental in the F18 Flyovers. He was both an escort and a guest on Honor Flights to Washington DC

When Tom discovered his future was going to be shortened by cancer, he decided he wanted to spend time in the Bahamas. In his final months he went 3 times, making friends everywhere he put down his hat. Tom got to enjoy one last fishing trip.

Tom is preceded in death by his wife, Laurel, and his parents. He is survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Diane and Rod Hansen, Niece, Libby Hagen, Nephew Ivan (Jaime), As well as Ellory Hansen, Parker Hansen and Gilbert Hagen.